FUCKED.

19

TRAVIS'S POV

It had been twenty minutes, and Chloe still hadn't shown up. I tried searching for her, but I was told she had left. My phone vibrated, and I unlocked it, hoping it was Chloe calling. Instead, it was a series of videos sent in the group chat. Hesitantly, I clicked on them, and what I saw next was nothing short of shocking.

The first video was of Keisha and Jason having sex. I could barely process it. Sapphire had already seen it, but her phone was going straight to voicemail. My heart raced as more videos played, revealing Chloe and Mr. Kassif. She was crying, pleading, while he was whipping her naked and assaulting her. Anger and devastation consumed me as I watched her suffer. Each video showed Kassif taking advantage of her, her face becoming more lifeless and pale in one of them.

The final video was the most harrowing. Kassif threatened Chloe to either choose him or watch Sapphire and me die. Chloe, seemingly resigned, agreed, and I watched in horror as she was dragged away. It became glaringly obvious that Kassif was behind the bruises and marks on her body.

Frantic, I searched everywhere for Sapphire, but she was nowhere to be found. Her phone was still switched off, and Chloe's life was on the line. I dialed 911, reporting Chloe missing and giving them all the details I had, including her phone number. As I walked to the parking lot, I found Sapphire drinking heavily and making out with some guys. I pulled them off her and carried her to the car. She was slurring her words and laughing too loudly.

I drove her to my cousin's place, begging her to look after Sapphire while I dealt with the pressing issue. My cousin agreed, gave me a hug, and offered tea, but then the police called back. They informed me about a mysterious woman who had called from Hillton Town, providing the same details I had given. Relieved, I kissed my cousin goodbye and rushed back to the car.

I called three of my gym buddies and some underground fighters who were my friends. Two of them backed out, but three stayed. I picked them up in front of my apartment and drove to Hillton Town, which was miles away.

"How do we do this, man?" Sly asked, putting on his gloves.

"This girl must really mean something special to you, Travis. Does she know you fight?" I shook my head, making them laugh.

"How's the blonde girl? Is it Sally or Sabrina?" Hunter asked.

"It's Sapphire," I replied.

"Oh, she's the one with the blue eyes, right? She's feisty," Vincent said.

"And beautiful," Hunter added.

"No, I like Chloe more. She's bold and friendly. I asked her out once, and she turned me down so sexily. We even watched movies together afterward," I smirked, reminiscing about that event.

"Too bad she fell for my charms, boys," Vincent laughed, punching me.

"Does she know we're coming?" I shook my head.

"So who are we dealing with exactly? Because I can't just go there and fight like a bull. By the way, where's Jason?" Hunter asked.

"He's crazy, that I know, but Jason really messed up this time, guys."

"Let me guess, he banged some chick, right?" Sly asked, and I confirmed.

"And you won't guess who it was."

"It's probably Layla, because that dude really loved her even after she broke it off to date Matthew," Sly guessed.

I shook my head. "It's Keisha."

The car fell silent, the mood suddenly tense. The guys were quiet, and it was almost amusing.

I stopped at a gas station to refuel and picked up some supplies. While inside the store, I decided to ask the cashier about Chloe's whereabouts, hoping she might know something.

"Excuse me, did anyone else stop by here today?" I asked.

The cashier put her hand to her chin, thinking. "I just came in not long ago, but my daughter was here since morning," she said, pointing toward the open door.

I thanked her and ran outside, knocking on the door of the store. When no one answered, I opened it and was met with an unexpected sight: a brunette in her panties, her back turned to me. She screamed and quickly covered herself with a small piece of clothing. I removed my shirt and handed it to her, turning away like a gentleman.

"I'm done now, you can turn around," she said, and I did, smiling.

"You're cute. I'm Courtney," she said, touching my face as she came closer.

"I'm here for one thing only. Did anyone enter the shop today?" I asked urgently.

Courtney nodded. "Yeah, a dude came in buying some stuff and then stole my fries," she said, clearly annoyed about the food.

"Did you see any girl with him?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"Where did he say he was heading to? Did he ask for directions?" I pressed.

"He wanted to go to Lake Lane, and I directed him," she said.

I felt a rush of urgency. "Where's Lake Lane?"

"I'm I in trouble? I swear I didn't do anything," she rambled, clearly frightened.

I grabbed her and carried her outside, despite her cursing me out. Once back at the car, I set her down.

"You egotistical son of a bitch! I hate every subatomic particle in your pale, doughy body, and I hope the tree of knowledge falls on your head so you can ironically fucking die and make the world a better place," she ranted.

"Oh, where did you get this feisty one from?" Sly asked, looking at her with interest.

"He stole me because he's not a complete idiot. Some parts are definitely missing," she snapped.

"Okay, I'm sorry, but I need you to take me to Lake Lane before someone dies tonight," I pleaded.

That caught everyone's attention.

"If I had known this was about Chloe's life, I would have brought the big dogs," Hunter said, his tone serious.

"Okay," Courtney agreed reluctantly. She climbed into the car, and we were back on the road. The atmosphere was tense; no one spoke as they squirmed in the back seat.

"How well do you know Lake Lane?" I asked her.

"Well, it was once owned by the Detraranovs, but after the elder one died and no one knew where her sister went, they abandoned the place and moved away. The buildings were demolished except for two. Now, Mad Max and his family live there. When you see them, stay fifteen feet away. They're demented," she warned.

"Why did you stutter when you mentioned Max's son?" Hunter asked, staring at her.

"Nothing," she replied, remaining tight-lipped.

"Describe his wife," Vincent asked.

"She's the only person who can kill someone and prepare dinner afterward, appearing like a happy married woman. I think she's a cannibal, but she's super nice with a bitchy attitude. She's a person of sin, leading the world to the devil with her down-to-earth nature and innocent face," she explained, her words causing the guys to look scared.

This was going to be a long, difficult night, but I was determined to save Chloe no matter what.